Keeping your vehicle's brakes in proper working condition is crucial for safety and control. They bring your Toyota vehicle to a stop in a quick and controlled manner. Neglected brakes will not only affect the performance of your Toyota but also the safety of you & your passengers and other road users.

How Do Car Brakes Work?

Most modern vehicles use a disc brake system. The metal disc that is attached to the wheel hub behind the wheel spokes spins at the same speed as the wheels. A brake caliper clamps down on that disc whenever you press on the brake pedal. Friction generated by the caliper clamping down on the disc causes your Toyota to slow down. The harder you press on the brake pedal, the faster your vehicle will slow down.

How Can You Check if Your Brakes Need Service?

Toyota vehicles have brake warning lights on the dashboard that notify the driver if there's a problem with the braking system. However, sometimes a warning light will not turn on, but you may still have issues with the brakes. If the brake pedal gets “spongy” when applying pressure on it, if you feel it pulsating under braking, if the steering wheel vibrates under braking or if you hear a loud squealing noise when braking, you should bring your Toyota to an OpenRoad Toyota Service Centre to have it checked out by a certified Toyota technician.

How Often Should I Change My Brakes?

There is no specific mileage of when your Toyota's brakes require changing. It can range from 10,000 km to 80,000 km. It depends on how you use your vehicle and your driving habits. If you use your Toyota Tacoma or Toyota Tundra for towing or hauling often, the brakes may wear out more quickly. If you use your Toyota Corolla or Toyota RAV4 for city commuting, the brake pads may last longer. During every service visit, Toyota technicians will check your vehicle's brake pads to ensure that they are in good working condition and within specifications.

Avoiding Bad Braking Habits

Sometimes brakes can wear down more quickly than normal. Drivers that use their left foot to brake can inadvertently put a bit of pressure on the brake pedal while resting their left foot. This leads to a light pressure being applied to the brakes which in turn wears them out more quickly. Another method of premature wear is constant braking when driving down a hill. Keeping a consistent brake application in this situation can overheat the brake discs and cause them to warp, requiring machining or replacing. When travelling downhill, it's best to shift to a lower gear and apply a moderate brake application, then let off the brake pedal momentarily, and then apply brake pressure again and repeat until at the bottom. It's best to let the engine do most of the work in slowing down your vehicle.

Why You Should Book a Brake Service at OpenRoad Toyota

OpenRoad Toyota Service Advisors and Technicians are knowledgeable, friendly, and, most importantly, are certified to maintain and repair your vehicle to factory standards using Toyota genuine parts and equipment. As an OpenRoad guest, you'll also receive the best service experience with complimentary Club OpenRoad membership and benefits, a comfortable lounge with Wi-Fi and refreshments, comprehensive service updates, service in multiple languages, and complimentary car wash with every service visit.

Book your service appointment online from the comfort of your home or call us at (604) 273-3768